2019 Federal Election Key Messages

Wastewater is a Federal Election Issue

The municipal sector in Newfoundland and Labrador wants to do the right thing to manage wastewater. They require time. They require investment. Together, we need to make a plan on how to achieve these policy goals.

Without resources, time and a long-term plan, the policy goals set out in the Wastewater System Effluent Regulations (WSER) cannot be met. These regulations are part of a Canada-wide strategy for managing wastewater effluent. Under this framework, all municipalities are responsible for registering and monitoring their wastewater outfalls. Municipalities recording wastewater flows of 100m3/day (100,000L/day) or more are subject to additional requirements under the regulations.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, 197 outfalls exceed these outfall limits and require system upgrades. This impacts 115 municipalities. Municipalities exceeding these regulatory limits had the option to apply for transitional authorization as part of the regulations’ phased-in approach.